Fried Dried Fruit Pies

2 cups dried fruit of choice
Water to cover fruit
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
5 to 6 tablespoons water

Place dried fruit in a saucepan and cover with water. Cook over medium heat until tender. Drain and sweeten to taste with 1 cup or more of sugar.

Combine the 1 tablespoon sugar, flour, salt, shortening and the 5 to 6 tablespoons water. Mix well and roll into a large ball. Pinch off a small amount of dough and roll to a 4-inch diameter. Spread 2 tablespoons of cooked fruit mixture on half the 4-inch pastry. Fold over, press edges together prick top with a fork.

Heat oil (1/2 inch deep) in a nonstick skillet. Place pies in hot oil and fry until brown on one side. Turn and brown on other side. Turn only once.

NOTE: you can use canned biscuits in place of pastry dough. Roll out as instructed for pastry.